‘It just brought us together’: Westerville North softball trio leaves their mark in final season
Friday, April 19, 2024
By Scott Gerfen
sgerfen@cbussports.com
Westerville North’s four-year starters (from left), Anna Williams, Sophie Minister, and Ryanne Wilson, have been friends and teammates for most of their sports lives. Photo: Kevin Rouch
When Brian Anderson prepared his roster for the 2021 season, he didn’t hesitate to include three freshmen in the starting lineup.
Three years later, those same players are seniors, and pitcher Sophie Minister, centerfielder Ryanne Wilson and shortstop Anna Williams are ready to leave their mark on the program.
“They stepped in day one, and they looked like they belonged the first day,” said Anderson, who’s led the program since 2018. “They haven’t been out of the starting lineup since. I’ve had freshmen come in here and there and start, but I don’t think I’ve ever had three like that.”
The trio hope for more in their final season.
A year ago, they led North to their first OCC-Capital Division title in nearly two decades and the first appearance in a Division I district final in 25 years. The Warriors lost to Newark 8-4 in the district title game.
After a rough start to this season during a spring trip out of state, North won five straight games to begin the month. It was 8-6 overall and 6-1 in the league before hosting Dublin Coffman in a non-league game on April 19.
One key to the Warriors’ success has been the chemistry between Minister, Wilson, and Williams. They used to wear their initials, “RAS,” on their wrists during games. The close bond developed over the past four years has translated into on-the-field success.
And those roots run even deeper.
Westerville North’s Ryanne Wilson, a Walsh University commit, singles during the Warriors’ game at Canal Winchester April 18. Photo: Kevin Rouch
Minister and Wilson cheered together in elementary school when they started coach-pitch softball. Minister and Williams began playing on travel teams at age 10.
“I don’t think we’d all be friends if it wasn’t for softball,” Minister said. “It’s just brought us together so much.”
As Anderson describes, they all have different personalities, with Wilson “voicing her opinion,” Minister being “happy-go-lucky,” and a more quiet and confident Williams.
The three players occupy important positions on the field and the top three spots in the batting order, with Wilson in the leadoff spot, followed by Minister and Williams.
“All of them have a touch of power and good speed, and they’re smart and aggressive on the bases,” Anderson said.
One of their most memorable games came during their freshman season when they each hit a home run against Franklin Heights.
Williams, who also played second base and catcher, was batting .450 with two home runs and a .511 on-base percentage through the Warriors’ first 13 games.
Sophie Minister, Westerville North’s ace who has almost 700 career strikeouts, works against host Canal Winchester April 18. Photo: Kevin Rouch
“Anna is a good catcher, but we’ve been blessed with other catchers, so it just made sense to go with the other catchers and utilize Anna in the infield,” Anderson said.
Wilson, who’s committed to playing softball at Walsh University next spring, was hitting .250 and leading the team in runs scored (16).
Minister has been a strong producer at the plate and on the mound. She was hitting .442 with a .510 on-base percentage and two home runs while closing in on 700 career strikeouts. She has 100 whiffs so far this season.
“They’re all three confident in their abilities, and they’re all three super hard workers who work on their own all the time,” Anderson said. “They also are straight-A students, members of the National Honor Society. They’re truly all great student athletes.”
As their senior season approaches, Wilson, Minister and Williams are focused on making the most of their final year together. They are determined to make it a memorable one.
“I don’t want it to end,” Minister said. “We make jokes about it, like, ‘It’s our last first home game.’ At the same time, it’s so sad it’s going to have to come to an end.
Anna Williams, Westerville North’s shortstop, fakes a bunt to allow a Warrior runner to steal second at Canal Winchester April 18. Photo: Kevin Rouch